Stormwater Management Regulations

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A. SUMMARY:
  • The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources and non-point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States.
  • These regulations are a key component of EPA’s Clean Water Act.
  • The overriding goal is to protect the quality of U.S. waterways by reducing the discharge of sediment, oil and chemicals into storm drains, surface water and groundwater.

B. WHO MUST COMPLY?
 Three (3) main categories must comply with the NPDES Regulations:
  • 1. Industrial Sites — a diverse range of 450 Standard Industrial Classification Codes (SIC) are regulated. Visit www.Stormwater-Products.com/regs for a detailed listing.
  • 2. Construction Activities — Phase II of the regulations went into effect in March 2003 and requires that construction sites on one (1) acre or more (commercial or residential) must comply.
  • 3. Municipalities — Phase II requires that all municipalities with a population of 10,000 or more must comply. Regulated properties include city-owned facilities (i.e. maintenance yards, water treatment plants, refuse dumps, city parks, parking garages, marinas, etc.) and city-supervised construction activities (i.e. road work, water

C. WHAT ACTIONS ARE NECESSARY FOR COMPLIANCE?
  • A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be filed with the state or regional EPA to receive a stormwater permit.
  • The Stormwater Plan requires the use of “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) to control stormwater runoff during construction activity or as part of a long-term maintenance plan.
  • BMPs that are specified in the Plan must reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable (MEP), protect water quality and satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act.